Cancer Care

Urology Consultants

WHAT IS LUTETIUM-177 PSMA?

PSMA therapy is an innovative molecular therapy used to treat advanced prostate cancer, also known as metastatic prostate cancer. The London Clinic’s specialists inject the medication into your bloodstream. It seeks out tumour cells and binds to them, delivering a high dose of radiation precisely at the cancer to destroy the cells.

The London Clinic has world-leading nuclear medicine and oncology consultants supported by dedicated multidisciplinary teams and some of the most modern treatments available. Our priority is to provide the best cancer care in our award-winning cancer centre.

Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding. At this difficult time, The London Clinic offers the latest cancer treatments, sensitive support by a multidisciplinary team and a clean, calm environment in which to recover.

Patients with advanced prostate cancer should consider asking for a referral if:

They have already received chemotherapy, or are unable to do so

They have already received one of the new hormonal therapes (enzalutamide / abiraterone)

What is advanced prostate cancer?

Advanced prostate cancer is cancer that has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body. It’s also called metastatic prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can spread to any part of the body, but most commonly to the bones. More than four out of five men with advanced prostate cancer will have cancer that has spread to their bones. Prostate cancer also commonly spreads to the lymph nodes.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TREATMENT

Prostate cancer contains specific markers. One such marker is the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). By attaching a radioactive isotope to a ligand that specifically targets cells expressing PSMA, we are able to selectively target prostate cancer cells. The ligand binds to the cell while the radioactive isotope (lutetium-177) delivers a high, localised radiation dose, minimising damage to healthy cells.

The London Clinic offers PSMA therapy, administered by an expert multi-disciplinary team. There are clinical nurse specialists to guide and advise you about the possible side-effects, and help control your symptoms. Your treatment is planned at a multidisciplinary team meeting.

We have a team Oncologists and specialist nurses, who have extensive knowledge and experience in the treatment of prostate cancer. They will discuss the benefits and side-effects of PSMA therapy. They will always take time to answer any questions and address any worries you may have. We also offer complementary therapy, counselling and an extensive physiotherapy service.

TREATMENT FACTS

PSMA therapy at The London Clinic is carried out as a day-admission in the Duchess of Devonshire Wing. A drip will be inserted into your arm and the medication will be delivered as an infusion by an experienced nuclear medicine clinician. A medical physicist will be present to provide you with radiation protection advice.

The rooms in the Duchess of Devonshire wing are comfortable and private. You will be required to stay in the room for the day, to reduce the risk of radiation exposure to others. Visitors are allowed, but should follow the advice of the medical physics team. This will include avoiding direct contact with you and wearing personal protective clothing such as disposable gowns and gloves.

Your Consultant Oncologist will customise a programme of therapy to address your cancer. The treatment is usually cyclical, with around four treatments carried out at three-monthly intervals.

TREATMENT RISKS AND RECOVERY

There are risks and side effects with any treatment. PSMA therapy is well tolerated. Our experienced care team will offer medication to reduce any symptoms and support your safe recovery.

The London Clinic will give you advice on radiation safety and a contact number, so that you can get guidance at any time during your treatment. Your consultant will also give you advice about symptoms to look out for, and when to get urgent assessment.

Small amounts of radiation remain in the body after treatment, so you should limit your contact with others, particularly people that are potentially vulnerable to exposure such as young children and pregnant women. The London Clinic’s Medical Physics department will provide more detailed advice before your discharge.

The radioisotopes will be removed in your urine and faeces, so it’s particularly important to be careful about handwashing and hygiene.

WHY CHOOSE THE LONDON CLINIC?

The London Clinic is dedicated to providing the best, personalised healthcare with over 600 world-renowned consultants available to offer informed health advice and treatment.

Spanning Harley Street and Devonshire Place, The London Clinic is situated in the heart of London’s internationally-known medical district. This central location, together with state-of-the art technologies and facilities that are not widely available in other hospitals, makes The London Clinic the hospital of choice for around 120,000 patients every year.

Offering affordable and competitive self-pay packages and expert support from Clinical Nurse Specialists and our specialised multidisciplinary team, 98% of our patients said they would recommend The London Clinic to their friends and families.

PSMA THERAPY COST

Cancer care at The London Clinic may be covered by insurance. We also offer affordable, competitive self-pay packages for prostate cancer treatments. Please call +44 (0) 207 616 76 and speak to our helpful team to find out more about PSMA therapy and to book an appointment.